Best Curly Hair Products According to Hairstylists
13 Curly-Hair Product Cures You Need to Buy, According to Pros
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There's no denying the power of big, bold curls (or, for many, all of the hard work and product testing that goes into maintaining them). But dealing with frizz, crunchiness, and downright heaviness can make finding the right formulas an expensive and time-consuming task. So we asked top hairstylists what to choose. These pros are well aware of your curly-hair woes, and to help, they are offering up some of their personal product saviors. Keep reading to discover what may be your new favorite shampoo or mousse!
Alterna Haircare Caviar Style Luxe Shape Crème Gel
"I love this product because I can get the hold a curly girl wants without getting the crunch of a gel. I especially love that even if you don't get a section all the way dry, the hair still stays soft. Usually, I'll mix it with Alterna Haircare Caviar Omega[+] Nourishing Oil for an extra boost of shine and softness." — Nate Rosenkranz
Bumble and Bumble Curl Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer
"This is such a great reactivating mist for curls that have dried out throughout the day. Just spray and scrunch throughout the hair to spring curls back to life." — Eugene Smith
Christophe Robin Regenerating Plant Oil With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil
"This product gives a great sheen that absorbs into the hair without any residue. For next-day, unwashed hair, I suggest adding a few drops to a spray bottle and misting over strands using fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently encourage curls back into place and attain high shine." — Christian Wood
Christophe Robin Regenerating Plant Oil With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil ($58)
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
"This product is great because it has smoothing polymers that coat the hair shaft and minimize frizz. It can be used on curly hair or to aid in straightening curly hair — just apply before blow-drying and finish your look off with a straightening iron if necessary." — Eugene Toye
Ouai Curl Shampoo and Conditioner
"This shampoo and conditioner are super moisturizing and will help define your curls, while leaving them feeling bouncy and soft." — Jen Atkin
Ouai Curl Shampoo and Conditioner ($26-$28 each)
Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel
"This is a great foundation for setting curly hair into place and defying frizz. Apply the product evenly throughout freshly shampooed hair. Then shake curls into place and allow to dry naturally." — Smith
R+Co Twister Curl Primer
"This product works on all curly hair textures. It's really good at tightening up looser, wavier hair and relaxing tighter ringlets. The formula evens the whole head out by creating a more uniform curl pattern all the way through." — Garren
R+Co Twister Curl Primer ($25)
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
"This pillowcase works wonders for all kinds of hair types and textures as it keeps the cuticle layer of the hair intact and doesn't cause the friction traditional pillowcases do. You'll wake up with shinier, healthier hair!" — Atkin
Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream
"I am always recommending this product — it's a savior for people with curly hair! Take a nickel to quarter size amount (depending on hair density) and distribute evenly throughout wet hair. Then, wrap hair in a highly absorbent thin microfiber towel and allow it to dry overnight. In the morning, you'll have frizz-free curls with movement and shine — no crunch! The product works just as well with a diffuser or air-drying. You can also use it on dry or second-day hair! Just rub a small amount into your fingertips and twirl your curls for instant smoothness and control. The conditioning agents in this product are also an added bonus!" — Joseph Maine
Amika Nourishing Mask
"Be a queen crowned in your curls! This deep-conditioning treatment will leave your hair with long-lasting shine. Even more, it's designed to seal split ends, stop breakage, hydrate dry hair, and improve elasticity." — Aleetha Clanton
Amika Nourishing Mask ($28)
Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Crème Serum
"Dove Quench Absolute is the go-to line for my curly girls. The shampoo and conditioner are hydrating enough to define curls but not heavy to where it weighs them down. The crème serum, however, takes the cake! It's creamy, moisturizing, and helps your curls bounce back to life with shine and definition." — Cynthia Alvarez
Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q Blow Dryer
"Keeping hair hydrated is really important for curly-haired girls, which is why I love this blow dryer. It has a high air flow that reduces the drying time and, in turn, reduces the amount of heat needed. This helps to retain moisture in the hair and drastically reduce frizz, giving you a better curl! Using the 3Q with its diffuser provides a wide and powerful airflow, drying hair evenly and efficiently without disturbing the curl." — Michael Dueñas
KMS California Curl Up Perfecting Lotion
"This lotion is my staple for curly-haired clients when it comes to preventing frizz, keeping curls controlled and moisturized. It leaves their curls soft, with a gentle finish that never feels crunchy." — Simon Miller
